The plea said the complete ban on construction activities without identifying and excluding those who do not contribute to air pollution is “irrational, arbitrary and whimsical”.
A construction labor body has moved the Supreme Court for daily workers who have lost income due to a sudden complete ban on sector activities imposed by NCR states to curb dust pollution.
The petition, filed by the National Campaign Committee on Construction Activities for Central Legislation on Construction Labor, said the ban on construction activities without identifying and excluding those who do not contribute to air pollution is “irrational, arbitrary and whimsical”. .
It alleged that despite having a dedicated fund of ₹ 2,700 crore, the National Capital Territory of Delhi government has failed to formulate any ex-gratia relief scheme for construction workers for the period when they have to leave their work due to “sudden” Does matter. Complete blanket ban”.
“The Government of NCT of Delhi and Government of Haryana have failed to assess and identify the activities which are causing pollution. It is submitted that ideally the restrictions should be limited to activities such as demolition and quarrying only.
“Such complete blankets unnecessarily trample on the rights and livelihoods of lakhs of building construction workers, without contributing even a single bit towards reducing air pollution,” the petition said.
The plea said that by banning manufacturing without any notice and publicity, the workers are completely vulnerable and unaware, making them ideal fodder for harassment by the implementing agencies.
“It is also noteworthy that when the ‘Odd-Even Scheme’ is to be implemented for vehicular traffic, the Government of NCT of Delhi issues advertisements months in advance to enable the citizens to prepare their travel plans for the said period. Whereas, restrictions on the construction sector, which employs the largest number of workers in Delhi, are imposed without any notice,” the petition said.
“The harsh uncertain nature of such restrictions compels building workers and small contractors to disobey, as workers and small contractors are unable to plan and identify their sources of income for the said period due to lack of clarity. are,” it added.
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